Jonty’s picks

The FA Cup third round usually throws up a couple of surprises, and there is an interesting match-up at Stamford Bridge today as Chelsea take on Nottingham Forest.

Maurizio Sarri’s side have done reasonably well for a team with a new coach at the helm this season, but have hit the skids a little, failing to score in their last two matches at home, the latest effort an insipid draw with Southampton in midweek.

Sarri may well rotate his team, though his hand may also be slightly forced by a growing injury list.

Forest have proved hard to beat in the Championship, losing just five of 26 matches thus far, though they have also drawn 12. Aitor Karanaka’s side did manage a 4-2 win at home to leaders Leeds on Tuesday evening, and have absolutely nothing to lose against Chelsea, which makes them dangerous.

However, I think Sarri’s side will win by the odd goal.

Pool Name: S6 V1 P1 M1

Accrington Stanley v Ipswich Town. Town on top. Ipswich win = 3 Aston Villa v Swansea City. Villa to sink Swans. Villa win = 1

Chelsea v Nottingham Forest. Previewed above. Chelsea win = 1 Gillingham v Cardiff. An away day. Cardiff win = 3 Brentford v Oxford United. A Brentford boost. Brentford win = 1 Everton v Lincoln City. Toffees to take this one. TIP: Everton win = 1

TIP: M2 M3 TIP: M4 TIP: M5 TIP: M6 TIP: